Ministry of Defence consultation on operations at Hirta and impact on St Kilda World Heritage Site

Media Releases

Responding to the MOD announcement that it was consulting on the future of manned operations on the island of Hirta in the Western Isles Michael Russell, Minister for Culture, External Affairs and Constitution, said: “St Kilda is the only of Scotland’s five World Heritage Sites to be recognised for both its natural and cultural importance and any possible detrimental impact is, of course, a concern.

Scottish Government Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution, Michael Russell, is to visit Fort George to meet staff and find out more about tourism in the area. The fort is one of the many important parts of the nation’s built heritage in the care of Historic Scotland. It is one of Historic Scotland’s top ten visitor attractions and welcomes around 61,000 visitors a year. Fort George is a key part of the area’s tourism industry. Historic Scotland works closely with partners such as Destination Loch Ness and the National Trust for Scotland to promote tourism throughout the region.

Evocative carvings at what was believed to be the inauguration site of the ancient kings of Dal Riata have been revealed for the first time in 30 years. Experts from Historic Scotland removed the concrete replica which covers the carved rock at the Dunadd hillfort, in Kilmartin Glen, during a week-long conservation project at the start of June.

One of Scotland’s leading architectural historians has been awarded The European Heritage Awards’ highest accolade. Professor David Walker OBE will receive the prize for his dedicated service to heritage. The 2009 Awards have also recognised three Scottish heritage projects for their conservation work.

The Stanley Mills water mill complex beside the River Tay has picked up a fifth accolade for excellence in conservation. The recent Scottish Design Awards 2009 saw it take the title for the best re-use of a listed building. Judges made the award to LDN Architects – hired by Historic Scotland to create a visitor and education centre in the oldest parts of the complex – the Bell Mill and the Mid Mill.